Health Care Assistant (HCA)
certificate
Train to become a frontline care provider and valuable member of a health care team.
The Health Care Assistant program provides opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide professional care to the elderly and those facing other health or illness challenges. This 29 week, full-time program combines theory, lab study and practice experience.
Health Care Assistants receive direction and supervision from other health professionals such as Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses. Student practice experiences are an integral part of the program. Clinical practice experiences occur outside of the college setting. While the majority of practice placements are in centres close to CMTN campus communities, it may be necessary to utilize agencies in other Northwest communities. Students must arrange their own transportation to and from practice experience sites and assume related costs. Students may be required to work a variety of shifts (e.g. four-, six-, eight- and/or 12-hour shifts, including days, evenings, nights, and weekends.)
Successful graduates will earn a HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE and are eligible for registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry.
Dates and locations
Scheduled intakes
| Intake | Location |
|---|---|
| January 27, 2020-August 13, 2020* | Terrace Campus1 |
| 1 | *Dates subject to change Theory courses may be offered to other CMTN campuses through video-conferencing, however, lab and clinical courses are based out of the Terrace campus (4 weeks). |
The program is offered subject to public demand and sponsor funding. Contact an Educational Advisor for more information on intake dates and locations.
The Health Care Assistant program requires students to achieve 70% (B-) or higher in every theory course and CR (credit) grade in HCAS 107 and practical experience courses to continue in the program and receive their credential.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HCAS 101 | Health Care Assistant: Introduction to Practice | 1 |
| HCAS 102 | Health: Lifestyles and Choices | 1 |
| HCAS 103 | Human Relations: Interpersonal Communica Communications | 1.5 |
| HCAS 104 | Health & Healing: Concepts for Practice | 2.5 |
| HCAS 105 | Healing 1: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Common Health Challenges | 4 |
| HCAS 106 | Healing 2: Caring for Individuals Experiencing Cognitive Or Mental Challenges | 2 |
| HCAS 107 | Healing 3: Personal Care & Assistance | 4 |
| HCAS 108 | Practice Experience in Home Support And/Or Assisted Living,Practical Experience in Home Support And/Or Assisted Living | 2 |
| HCAS 109 | Practice Experience in Multi-Level And/Or Complex Care 1 | 6 |
| HCAS 110 | Transition Practice Experience | 2 |
| Total Credits | 26 | |
Students interested in applying should read the Health Care Assistant Program Student Handbook [PDF]
Prior to applying, please review the Health Care Assistant Program Expectations [PDF].
Important Documents
- English Competency Self-Declaration Form
- HCA Intake Package
- HCA CRC Instructions
- Ministry Consent for a CRC
- Immunization Record
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Grade 12 graduation, or 19 years of age or older, or dual credit student
- A complete English Competency Self-Declaration Form [PDF]. Applicants with less than seven years of education in an English-speaking environment and/or less than four consecutive years of education in an English-speaking environment at the secondary or post-secondary level will require one of the following standardized English language proficiency tests as set by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry:
For English as a first language speakers:
- English Studies 11 or
- Accuplacer Grade 11 level cut score: Reading 236, Writing 234, Writeplacer 4
- College courses determined to be equivalent to completion of Grade 11 English (or higher) by post-secondary institutions. A minimum of a C grade is acceptable.
- Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT): Reading Comprehension 35/50 Spelling 23/32
- Language Placement Index (LPI): The three individual scores (Sentence Structure, English Usage, and Reading Comprehension) must total a minimum of 20, out of a maximum possible score of 40. Essay level of 4, with a minimum essay score of 24/40
For English as a second language speakers:
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Test must be within the last two years, IBT only—overall score of 76 with no score lower than 20 in speaking and listening and no score lower than 18 in Reading and Writing.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Academic or general: test must be within the last two years: overall score of 6 with a minimum of 6 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 5.5 in Reading and Writing.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLB PT): test must be within the last six months: Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6 and Writing 6. Note: A CLB Report Card from a LINC Program may also be accepted.
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Academic or General: Aggregate score of 4l or better, with 4l or better in Speaking and Listening and 3H or better in Reading and Writing. General CELPIP 7 or better in Speaking and Listening and CELPIP 6 in Reading and Writing.
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): overall score of 60, with no section less than 50. Scores valid for one year.
- FOODSAFE: All students must present evidence of current FOODSAFE level 1 prior to entering classes.
- CPR Level C: Applicants must provide evidence of successful completion of CPR level C no more than 12 months before admission.
- First Aid: Applicants must provide evidence of successful completion of one of the following First Aid courses no more than 12 months before admission:
- Standard First-Aid
- Emergency First Aid – Community Care
- Emergency First Aid for Industry
- WorkSafe BC OFA Level 1
- Criminal Record Check: BC Ministry of Justice type B must be successfully completed and submitted to the CMTN admissions department prior to the start of classes. Instructions are provided after you apply. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline noted will result in a cancellation of the applicant’s admission application.
Please note: Any changes to your criminal record status or events occurring that will impact your criminal record must be reported in writing to the program Dean. Some events may impact your ability to attend clinical or practicum settings. The implications of failing to report changes, as a student, can result in program failure.
- Proof of Current Immunizations / Vaccinations/TB skin test:
Applicants are asked to provide evidence of meeting current immunizations and vaccinations as per health authority policies / guidelines.
Please note: Northern Health Authority’s policy may prohibit you from working during an influenza epidemic if you have not been vaccinated against influenza (“the flu”). As well, if there is a certain outbreak of certain infectious diseases, you may be required to present documentation of your immunization status to a clinical agency before allowing to be present. If you have not been immunized, you may be prevented from entering clinical in case of an outbreak and therefore unable to complete your clinical/practicum hours for the program.
Copies may not be made of documents once they are inside student files, therefore, please ensure you have a copy of all records before turning them in.
| Fees | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time: | 29 Weeks | 29 Weeks |
| Tuition: | $1,909.36 | $8,792.66 |
| Student Union Fees:1 | $83.04 | $83.04 |
| Mandatory Fees: | $595.08 | $639.96 |
| Health Insurance: | N/A | $234.60 |
| Total Tuition: | $2,587.48 | $9,750.26 |
| Additional Costs: | ||
Books:2 |
$450.00 | $450.00 |
Supplies/Clothing:2 |
$300.00 | $300.00 |
Fieldwork/Practicum:3 |
$200.00 | $200.00 |
| Total Program Cost: Tuition plus additional costs | $3,537.48 | $10,700.26 |
| 1 | These fees are term based and may vary due to the length of the program. |
| 2 | Please note that these are approximate costs and may vary depending on courses taken. |
| 3 | Costs will vary depending on the location of practicum. Students are responsible for any required accommodations, food, or other travel expenses. |
Fees are effective as of August 7, 2018
Career opportunities
Graduates are qualified to work as frontline care providers in a variety of settings including: client's home, adult day care, assisted living, and complex care facilities.
Learners should be aware that some employers require Grade 12 or equivalent for hire. Dual Credit students are not eligible to work in the Community setting until they reach 19 years of age.
The CMTN Access to Practical Nursing program creates laddering opportunities to a Practical Nursing Diploma. View the program page here.